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USCIS director says H‑2A processing remains fast, proposes narrow criminal investigative unit to fight fraud
Summary
USCIS told the subcommittee H‑2A visa processing remains about 5–7 days, while the agency is addressing growing backlogs and proposing a small criminal investigative unit to pursue immigration and entitlement fraud that the agency says is under‑prosecuted.
USCIS Director Mr. Edlow testified that USCIS's fiscal position remains strong on a fee‑funded basis and that the agency is investing in fraud prevention and vetting tools while working to clear backlogs.
Edlow said USCIS collected $7.5 billion in fee revenue in FY2025 and that E‑Verify handled some 44 million case checks last year. When asked about agricultural worker processing, he said H‑2A petitions are currently processed in roughly "5 to 7 days" once Labor Department information is received, and asked members to report any contrary instances so the agency can investigate.
Members questioned a proposed USCIS plan to hire roughly 200 specially trained investigators to create a small, narrow criminal investigative branch focused on immigration fraud and entitlement fraud; Edlow described specialized criminal investigator training tied to existing federal criminal investigator training plus a roughly nine‑week USCIS‑specific course.
Edlow said those investigators would deepen coordination with U.S. Attorneys and support prosecutions where fraud is uncovered. He told the panel federal fee accounts currently support much of USCIS's fraud work but emphasized that successful fraud enforcement depends on cross‑agency cooperation with ICE and HSI.
The committee requested follow‑up on specific processing delays and training details. USCIS committed to continuing engagement with members and to providing additional data as requested.
